Anulom Vilom Pranayama

It is also called as alternate nostril breathing. Inhale air through the left nostril to the maximum possible and exhale through right nostril completely. Again the process has to be reversed. Now inhale through right nostril and exhale through left nostril completely. This has to be done slowly. This process has to repeated. Initially you can repeat for five minutes. Gradually increase the repetitions through practice. Note that when you inhale fill your lungs completely and when you exhale pump it out completely.

As prescribed by Sage Patanjali, right nostril is called as Pingala nadi and left nostril is called as Ida nadi. Through Anulom Vilom Pranayam, we can purify these nadis. It is called as ‘Nadi shodhana’.

Requirements for doing Pranayama

First of all we should have calm mind. When mind is agitated, it will be difficult to regulate the flow of energy. Have a smile on the face. Next, sitting posture is very important. Sit comfortably with backbone erect. The chest, neck and the head should be held vertically in a straight line. you can sit as cross legged or on a arm chair. It is advisable to use Yoga postures such as Padmasana, Vajrasana, Gomukhaasana, Siddhasana etc. But back bone should be in a straight line. Also concentrate on the breadth.

Benefits

It increases the longevity of the person

It is very beneficial for smooth circulation of blood and strengthening of heart